Term of the Moment
hybrid drive
Definition: Windows 11
The latest version of Windows superseding Windows 10. Available as a free upgrade to Windows 10 in late 2021, Windows 11 revised the Start menu with icons centered on screen. Snap Layouts allow several application windows on screen to be treated as a group and maximized/minimized at the same time. Virtual desktops for different work activities are more easily created.
No More 32-Bit Processors
Windows 11 comes only in a 64-bit version and does not run on 32-bit CPUs. However, Windows 11 does support 32-bit Windows applications, but not 16-bit DOS programs.
Microsoft Teams and Android Compatibility
Microsoft Teams is integrated and widgets can be launched from the taskbar. A major enhancement is Android app compatibility. By installing the Windows Subsystem for Android, users can run Android apps on their Windows desktops. However, in March 2024, Microsoft announced that would end in 2026 (see Windows Subsystem for Android).
Enhanced Gaming
Gaming enhancements such as Auto HDR, which boosts standard dynamic range (SDR) to the more intense colors of high dynamic range (HDR), are built into Windows 11. A dedicated gaming tab is also included in the settings. See Windows 10 and Windows.
Tablet and Voice Enhancements
For tablet screens, there is more space between icons on the Taskbar, and noise and vibration (haptics) were added to the digital pen. Voice commands were also introduced.
Windows 11 Start Screen - Deja Vu
No More 32-Bit Processors
Windows 11 comes only in a 64-bit version and does not run on 32-bit CPUs. However, Windows 11 does support 32-bit Windows applications, but not 16-bit DOS programs.
Microsoft Teams and Android Compatibility
Microsoft Teams is integrated and widgets can be launched from the taskbar. A major enhancement is Android app compatibility. By installing the Windows Subsystem for Android, users can run Android apps on their Windows desktops. However, in March 2024, Microsoft announced that would end in 2026 (see Windows Subsystem for Android).
Enhanced Gaming
Gaming enhancements such as Auto HDR, which boosts standard dynamic range (SDR) to the more intense colors of high dynamic range (HDR), are built into Windows 11. A dedicated gaming tab is also included in the settings. See Windows 10 and Windows.
Tablet and Voice Enhancements
For tablet screens, there is more space between icons on the Taskbar, and noise and vibration (haptics) were added to the digital pen. Voice commands were also introduced.
The Windows 11 Start menu was moved to the center of the screen, reminiscent of Windows 3.0 more than thirty years prior. However, users can move the Start menu back to its Windows 10 location. See Windows 3.0 and Program Manager.